ELLISVILLE – There will be many fresh faces taking the field when the Jones County Junior College softball team begins its season on Friday, Feb. 12 in the Northwest Florida State Tournament in Niceville, Fla.
JCJC returns but two starters from last club which finished 10-26 overall and 5-19 and sixth place in the South Division at 5-19.
“We’re young. There are positions still up in the air,” said first-year JCJC head coach Chris Robinson, who served as an assistant last season. “There is a possibility we could start as many as seven freshmen. We feel like we’re getting some questions answered. We hope to get those questions answered at least by Feb. 12.”
Infielder Shana Nicholson and Designated Player Shana Ladner are the lone returnees. Nicholson started at second base last season, but has since been moved to shortstop. Ladner hit .457 last season.
Robinson said freshmen who are making strong bids for a starting berth include center fielder Heidi Garcich, Wayne County third baseman Heather Hall, Wayne County freshman catcher Anna Lauren Fontenot. Hall and Fontenot hail from Wayne County High School.
Sophomores expected to receive extensive playing time include left fielder Candace Leach, first baseman Elisha Ray, right fielder Devin Darr and first baseman Jenny Laird, a Millsaps College transfer. Ray is a West Jones High School grad.
Freshmen expected to push for playing time include South Jones High School grad, left fielder Mallory Cowart, shortstop Shannon Mosley, shortstop Janna Sullivan, outfielder Kayla McDaniel and second baseman Anna Grissett. Shannon Mosley is expected to spell Fontenot behind the plate.
Pitchers are expected to be freshman Mackinzee Bond, sophomore right-hander Falon Nettles and redshirt freshman Jennie Trepagnier. Hall is also expected to pitch.
The Lady Bobcats play doubleheaders against Jeff Davis (Ala.) and Northwest Florida State on Feb. 12 and 13. JCJC opens South Division action on March 10 against East Central.
With the construction of the $2.8M Community Bank Park, which includes the campus softball and softball fields, the Lady Bobcats will play all their home games at Ellisville’s Merchant Park.
‘The kids have responded well,” Robinson said. “I believe we have a chance to compete in the South Division.”
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Related Photos
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Photo/Shawn Wansley, JCJC Sports Information
Jones County Junior College begins softball season next week
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